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Traveling with your Bichon – Happy Bichon

Traveling with Your Bichon

Your trip is getting closer and closer and your indecision is getting bigger and bigger. What to do with your beloved Bichon Frise, the question is now.

To bring them or not to bring them? Would it be a dream or would it not? Who wouldn’t be happy to have their loving Bichon with them while on a trip? Which pet wouldn’t be happy to be with his adorable owner instead of whining poorly alone and abandoned at home while its owner is having a great time elsewhere? Will your pet survive the trip without any possible health troubles?

These questions will bother you a lot when you are a proud parent of Bichon Frise and you are planning the trip .

Here are some tips to show you how to keep yourself and your Bichon calm and comfortable, no matter what distance or mode you travel. This information will help you and your lovely Bichon explore every phase of the journey.

How to Prepare Bichon Frise for Journey

When you’re planning a trip with your Bichon Frise, you have dozens of details to worry about. Pre-travel preparation is one of the most important parts of successfully traveling with your beloved Bichon.

By making the right plans, you can save yourself from much discomfort or even trouble especially if you are traveling with your sensitive pet like Bichon Frise. Here are some key things you should do before you set out:

Buying a Crate

A crate is a piece of excellent equipment to keep your bichon safe in the car and is also required for airline travel. It can also keep your Bichon from getting into trouble in a hotel or at your host’s home. Crates are available on most pet supply stores. Look for these things if you are purchasing for Bichon Frise:

  • Having enough to allow the dog to stand, turn, and lie down.
  • Made with strong material, good handles and grips, and free of interior protrusions.
  • The crate must be leak-proof
  • Bottom covered with absorbent material.
  • Ventilation on opposing sides, and good quality of airflow.
  • “Live Animal” label, arrows showing upright position, with owner’s name, address, and phone number.
  • Stock the crate with a comfortable mat, your dog’s favorite toy, and a water bottle, and your Bichon is ready to go.

Choose Right Crate or Carrier

If you’re buying a shipping crate for your pet, be sure it is IATA approved. Any crate or carrier should be large enough for your pet to sit, stand, and turn around in with ease. It should be protected enough not to slip around when the vehicle or plane moves or stops.

Calming Products used in the crate

You might also want to consider stress-reducing products like pheromone collar or lavender oil, which you can sprinkle inside the crate for a calming effect.

Another accessory to consider is a calming vest for your fluffy Bichon, which applies gentle pressure to specific areas to reduce anxiety.

If your Bichon has a beloved blanket, stuffed animal toy, or even a shirt that smells like you, place that inside the carrier for comfort. Make sure no tranquilizer is used on your cute Bichon that will reduce their blood pressure. This is especially dangerous for Bichon Frise at altitude.

Prepare the Crate for Comfort

If you want the comfortable journey of Bichon Frise then you should Line it with absorbent bedding, like shredded bits of paper or cloth.

Water is very important, you can freeze a small bowl of water before leaving, which will melt when your Bichon gets thirsty and won’t spill during loading time.

Close the crate securely but never lock it, so it can be opened for feeding or emergencies. Attach a bag of dry food or seed to the outside of the carrier or crate, so your Bichon can be fed during a long trip.

Last but not least, be sure to attach your Bichon’s identification to the crate to avoid misplacing them.

No Crate, No Problem

If you don’t plan to use a crate in the car, be sure your Bichon rides safely with its head inside the window at all times.

It is important to keep Bichon in the back seat in a harness that you can attach directly to the seat belt buckle.

Pack Items for Restraining  

Bichon Frise is a very friendly companion but make sure you have collars, leashes, muzzles, safety vests, and other items that will help you keep your Bichon under control at all times.

Think about the comfort of your beloved Bichon

Check the weather and environmental conditions where you’ll be going. Be sure to pack collapsible water bowls, treats, toys, rain jackets, swimming safety vests or any other items your Bichon Frise could use.

Get your timing right with the paperwork

This step in getting your lovely Bichon ready to travel is where some Bichon parents almost blew it. Let’s make sure you don’t do the same.

Firstly, you’re going to want to review the customs laws of the country you’re traveling to. Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-stop resource for this, as each country has its own.

This step is very important. There are microchips, shots, and forms involved. Some countries won’t allow dogs from certain other countries to enter at all, and others will have a mandatory quarantine.

Each country will require you fill out a pet passport for your Bichon Frise. It sounds cute, but it’s no joke.

Identification

When your beloved Bichon gets away from you during the trip, if you have identified her properly then you have more chances to find her easily.

Make sure your Bichon has a strong leash and collar with identification tags having a dog’s name, your name, and your home phone number, as well as proof of rabies shots.

If you plan on being away for more than a few days, consider purchasing a second identification tag giving the location and phone number of your vacation spot.

If you want a more secure method, you can consider a permanent form of identification, such as a microchip.

Important Visit to the vet

While your health may be on point and does not need a check-up before travel, it is imperative that your Bichon undergoes a complete health check-up.

Not only is it a prerequisite for pet travel, but even if it was not, you’ve got to address your Bichon’s health just like you should yours. But, if at present, your Bichon is tagging along on the much-awaited adventure; it’s time you get a health check done before taking off

Getting an all-clear from your vet is the ultimate decision-maker for whether your dog can even travel safely, or not.

Vaccination certificates

Your Bishon vaccinations need to be up to date, to be on the safer side. Certain countries may require blood tests, rabies certificates, and specific vaccines as much as 6 months in advance of travel.

Failure to abide by these rules could lead to separation from your lovely Bichon in your destination country, because officials may need to quarantine your pet upon arrival.

Medications

If your Bichon is on any medications, special food, or requires flea and tick prevention, make sure to get a sufficient supply from your vet to last through the trip and a few weeks beyond also.

In the case of Bichon that is older than 7 years, confirming the status of their liver and kidneys is a good idea. This is because flying and the journey itself pose a burden for your dog’s system.

Important things to do before traveling with your Bichon Frise

Comfort with the carrier

Your beloved Bichon will take time to adjust in new environment so give your pup plenty of time to get used to the carrier at home by leaving it out with the door open.

Put their favorite bed or blanket inside, leave a toy or treat, and praise them for going in on their own. Don’t push it, just give your Bichon time to adjust.

Rehearse With Your Bichon

If your Bichon Frise has never been on a long journey before, get them ready by taking them on short drives and then increase the time gradually.

Be sure to put them in their crate every time, so they get used to it faster. Take a walk around the airline terminal or station to get them familiar with the smells and sounds. Reward your lovely Bichon for good behavior .

Take a Relaxing Walk before Boarding

It helps to let your lovely Bichon walk or run around before boarding the plane, bus, boat, or train. See if there are any areas outside of the airport or station for a quick round of exercise.

This will help both you and your Bichon expend excess energy and be more tired during the flight, which will make for a peaceful journey.

Prepare a Pet Travel Kit

 Depending on the mode of transportation, pack the essential items for your pet, including:

  • Dry food
    • A small collapsible bowl
    • First Aid items and Medications
    • Travel documents, like a rabies certificate
    • A favorite toy, blanket, or pillow
    • Treats and dental chews
    • Your vet’s contact information

Watch your fluffy Bichon diet

If you can keep your Bichon special diet for a while after arrival, it will help to avoid stomach upsets. Your lovely Bichon will be out of sorts in an unfamiliar region, so changing up its diet could spell disaster. Here are some ways to keep your Bichon food safe:

  • In warmer weather, pet foods have a higher risk of spoilage. Foods high in fat or with added fish oils or omega-3s are more likely to spoil (since the fats can break down) and potentially make your Bichon sick.
  • Pack pet food and treats in an airtight container. Use a cooler to keep food cool and dry and bring the food into your hotel room instead of leaving it in your hot car.
  • Depending on the mode of travel and destination, if you use a dried food, you can probably carry enough with you for a couple of weeks.
  • If you normally use canned or fresh food, it may be worth getting your fluffy Bichon used to a completely dry food diet before you travel

You can also research the location to see if you can purchase some food upon your arrival, or even have it shipped there. Some hotels will have your pet’s favorite food on hand if you set things up ahead of time. In this case, planning is crucial.

Your little Bichon Frise will most likely be hungry after the long trip, so do your best to ensure they have the food they need to keep them energetic and healthy.

Traveling by car with your Bichon Frise

Some Bichons love to ride in cars and its fun to take them along with you wherever you go. However, this is not the case for all Bichons . Here are some safety guidelines you should think about before traveling by car with your favorite Bichon Frise, whether they enjoy the journey or not.

Never transport a fluffy Bichon in the back of an open pickup truck.

Give your Bichon plenty of rest stops

Stop frequently to allow your Bichon to exercise and eliminate. But never permit your pet to leave the car without a collar, ID tag, and leash.

Leave the front seat for humans. Keep your Bichon in the back seat of the car. If an airbag deploys while your pet is in the passenger seat (even in a crate), it might injure your pup.

Keep those beautiful fluffy heads inside. Little Bichon who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. This can also lead to eye injuries.

Your fluffy Bichon shouldn’t roam in the car. The safest way for your Bichon to travel in the car is in a crate that has been anchored to the vehicle using a seat belt or other secure means.

Dog restraints or seat belts are useful for preventing your dog from roaming

Don’t ever leave your pup alone in a car because heat is a serious hazard.

  • Get your dog used to the car by letting him sit in it with you without leaving the driveway, and then going for short rides.
  • Travel with the empty stomach of your Bichon to avoid car sickness. However, make sure he has plenty of water at all times.
  • Keep the car well ventilated. If your lovely Bichon is in a crate, make sure that fresh air can flow into the crate.

Car rides are boring for everyone, so instruct your children not to tease or annoy the little Bichon in the car. Never, ever leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle, particularly in the summer.

Traveling by Airplane with your beloved Bichon Frise

Everyone dreams of bringing their four-legged family member on all of their trips with them, right? This dream can come true with your Bichon Frise due to a small size breed.

If you’re lucky enough to travel with your pup, there are a few things you should keep in mind for your Bichon’s safety and well-being.

Notifying your airline about your lovely companion

So, your best friend has all their shots and paperwork ready, and their crate has been solidified as their second home. It’s time to inform your airline that you’ll be traveling with your lovely Bichon Frise.

 

The trip: Guidelines for your lovely Bichon Frise

You did it. You’re at that glorious moment where you realize this might actually work. Your dog loves their crate, and the vaccinations and paperwork are organized. Now the trip itself is the next challenge.

Before you fly, make sure to take your active Bichon out for a super rigorous session of exercise. A tired dog is a happy dog.

Air travel can be risky for Bichon Frise. Ask these questions if your beloved Bichon is flying in the cabin. Be sure to get clear answers to these questions:

  • Will the airline allow you to take your Bichon Frise pup in the cabin with you?
  • Does the airline have any special dog health and immunization requirements?
  • Does the airline require a specific type of carrier? Most airlines will accept either hard-sided carriers or soft-sided carriers.
  • If you can’t take your Bichon Frise in the cabin, does the airline have any restrictions on transporting your pup in the cargo hold?

Airport security screening of your Bichon Frise 

Your Bichon’s carrier will have to pass through the security screening along with you. You have two options:

  • Be sure your Bichon is securely on the lease so you can safely contain them outside their  carrier while it’s being x-rayed
  • Request a special secondary screening that won’t require you to take them out of their carrier
Flying with Your Bichon Frise

Dangers of flying your Bichon in a cargo

While most animals flown in the cargo area of airplanes are fine, you should be aware that some animals are killed, injured or lost on commercial flights each year. Excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation, and rough handling are often to blame.

If your beloved Bichon must travel in the cargo hold, you can increase the chances of a safe flight for your pet by following these tips.

  • You should prefer direct flights. So it will avoid the mistakes that occur during airline transfers and possible delays in getting your Bichon off the plane.
  • You should travel on the same flight as your Bichon pup if possible. 
  • When you board the plane, notify any crewmember or captain that your pet is traveling in the cargo hold. They will take special precautions.
  • If traveling during the summer or winter months, early morning or late evening flights are better in the summer; afternoon flights are better in the winter.
  • Fit your fluffy Bichon with a collar that can’t get caught in carrier doors. Affix identification on the collar.
  • Properly label your Bichon carrier on which you’ve written your name, permanent address and telephone number, final destination and where you or a contact person can be reached as soon as the flight arrives.
  • Make sure that your Bichon’s nails have been clipped to protect against them getting hooked.
  • To minimize the level of stress, give your Bichon at least a month before your flight to become familiar with the travel carrier.
  • Do not give your lovely Bichon tranquilizers unless they are prescribed by your veterinarian.
  • Do not feed your Bichon for four to six hours before the trip.
  • Try not to fly with your lovely companion during holidays or summer. Your little one is more likely to undergo rough handling during hectic travel periods.
  • Carry a current photograph of your cute Bichon. If he is lost during the trip, a photograph will make it much easier for airline staff to search effectively.

When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your lovely Bichon Frise. If anything seems wrong, take your furry one to a veterinarian immediately. Get the results of the examination in writing, including the date and time.

Don’t be indecisive to complain if you witness the mishandling of your lovely companion or someone else’s at any airport.

Keep Your Bichon Hydrated and Fed

Just like their human counterparts, Bichons should not have heavy meals before flying. Feed your little one between 3-4 hours prior to leaving. Be sure to give your lovely companion a bathroom opportunity close to departure time.

Just like you, Bichons get dehydrated while traveling and during flights due to the plane’s air filtration system. If possible, give your pet some bottled water to drink during the flight. If you are unable to monitor your Bichon’s in-flight hydration, you should ensure they get rehydrated immediately after the flight.

Make sure air flight has water on board for your lovely Bichon. You will need to do your research to make sure your pup has all the necessities and is well-cared.

Traveling with Your Bichon Internationally

Traveling through the train with your beloved Bichon Frise

You can bring up to two dogs on the train without charge. So it is a great opportunity for you if you want to travel with your Bichon Frise as long as the following rules are also obeyed:

  • Your Bichon must be kept on a leash at all times unless sat in a carrier.
  • Your fluffy pup must not sit on the train seat and doing so could result in you being charged.
  • Do not take your dog into the eating place.
  • Train employees are authorized to remove your dogs from the train, if your dog behavior is likely to cause, an inconvenience or danger to other customers.
  • If another customer objects to your Bichon’s presence on the train, you are obliged to move it to another area on the train.

Traveling on Boat with your Bichon Frise

With the exception of assistance dogs, pets are welcome on only a few cruise lines and usually on ocean crossings only. Some lines permit pets in private cabins, but most confine pets to kennels. Contact your cruise line in advance to find out its policies and which of its ships have kennel facilities.

Things to consider before boating

There are a few things to consider before hitting the water with your beloved Bichon Frise . If your fluffy Bichon has never been around water or a boat, try introducing it to them slowly.

Give your lovely pup a chance to discover the boat while it is docked or on the trailer. Before untying, start up the engine and see how your Bichon reacts.

Offer them treats to support good behavior. Once your lovely Bichon is seaworthy, start off on small trips and work your way to longer boat rides.

Things to consider while boating

Make sure your pet’s identification includes your updated information, your address and phone number, as well as dock slip number if available.

Have a Bichon flotation device on hand. Let your Bichon Frise try it on around the house before hitting the water. Remember in case of an emergency this could save your pups’ life.

Bring plenty of water and find shade on the boat to protect your Bichon from heatstroke. Remember that dogs do not sweat they show heavy panting and drooling.

If your Bichon plans on getting in the water, provide drinking water prior. Salty water isn’t good for your lovely pup and could possibly make them sick.

Things to consider when it’s time to go ashore

Remember some marinas do not allow pets so check ahead before arriving onshore.

Your lovely Bichon might be the most lovable harmless pup in the world, not everybody is a pet lover so leash your Bichon Frise prior to docking. Although your dog might be the most lovable harmless pooch in the world, not everybody is a pet lover.

Always keep a copy of vaccination and health records of your beloved Bichon Frise on hand. Some destinations (especially if you’re traveling internationally) will require proof of immunizations.

Article FAQ – Bichon Frise – 81 Frequently Asked Questions

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